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Rockets' Harden focuses on team win more than individual statistics

Xinhua, October 11, 2016 Adjust font size:

After finishing with a game-high 26 points and 15 assists in Shanghai two days ago, James Harden put more emphasis on team victory rather than individual statistics.

"Obviously I just want to win games, and put myself in a good position to contend for the title. I just focus on helping these guys to play at a high level in every game, so that we are a tough team to beat," said the Houston Rockets leading scorer during the practice session for NBA Global Game here on Tuesday.

Besides 26 points and 15 assists, Harden also suffered eight turovers in Shanghai, which was tough for him to taste.

"Turnover is terrible. Three games into the preseason, as a point guard, I just try to figure out the team's different plays, different angles and different passes, which is risky. They come with learning experience, so I need to watch film and learn from it," said Harden.

"James is unbelievable. He will be a point guard, but defensively we have Patrick Beverley, who can guard against most of point guards. Some of our guys are coached more than one position," commented the team's head coach Mike D'Antoni on Harden's role in leading the team.

Rockets have acquired Eric Gordon and Ryan Anderson from their opponent in NBA Global Games, the New Orleans Pelicans. They also added Brazilian center Nene and the 39-year-old veteran point guard Pablo Prigioni in this offseason. On the other hand, All-star center Dwight Howard joined the Atlanta Hawks, which was a huge loss in the paint field for the team.

"It's growing. It's only been three games. We have done much practice. Tomorrow is a great competition for us. We want to get better, and we want to win, so that's important for us," commented Harden.

D'Antoni echoed his star player's opinion about the team chemistry.

"It's really good. The team's every practice is intense, and in every game they play hard. They seem to enjoy each other on and off the court.

"We got Nene. When he is healthy, he can be the top five center in the league. Capela has been better. We will find a way to get better," he said.

Chinese young center Zhou Qi was drafted by the Rockets in the second round this year, but is expected to remain in the Chinese basketball league for another season. D'Antoni showed his expectation on this Chinese youngster.

"He is pretty thin, and needs to build up his muscle. Now he is an NBA player, I don't know how good he might be, but I like him a lot. He knows how to play, which is important," said D'Antoni.

The Rockets beat the Pelicans 123-117 last Sunday. The second matchup of this series will be held on Wednesday.

"Hopefully we can play better here," said D'Antoni. Endit